COCC, OSU-Cascades holding alcohol-awareness events

KTVZ.COM news sources

POSTED: 6:17 PM PDT October 21, 2013

COCC and OSU-Cascades are collaborating this week to offer four different events to raise awareness of safety and health issues related to alcohol. October 20-25 marks National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week on campuses throughout the country.

With alcohol use and binge drinking rates peaking during the ages of 18-25, colleges are increasingly focused on reducing alcohol abuse among their student populations.

Local events will range from a “chalkboard wall” in the Science Center, describing the scientific make-up of alcohol, to an impaired driving simulation.

The Shared Future Coalition and Deschutes Brewery are partnering to raise awareness of how the varying levels of alcohol content in specialty beers impact the standard drink size.

Juniper Residence Hall will team up with Campus Public Safety to host an interactive workshop regarding campus policies which will include field sobriety test demonstrations.

COCC and OSU-Cascades does not allow alcohol consumption on campus, with only rare exceptions for special events.

The week’s events give both schools the opportunity to showcase the consequences of alcohol abuse, and tips for keeping alcohol use legal and low-risk. Underage and binge drinking impact adolescent brain development, academic performance, and can contribute to other consequences which can potentially derail students’ ability to reach their life goals.

The Shared Future Coalition’s website, www.sharedfuturecoalition.org, provides additional information about the harms and consequences of underage and binge drinking, as well as recommendations lowering risks associated with legal alcohol use.

The website features a wide array of resources for parents, teens and college-aged youth. The coalition also shares information on Facebook and sponsors a blog written by guest experts throughout the community.